Forum Costs

This page offers estimated expense guidelines to help you plan your Forum budget.

Travel

The cost of an economy class, round trip ticket to Cape Town varies tremendously not only from country to country, but also from city to city within the same country. On average, the cost of a plane ticket will fall into these ranges:

$2,000 to $3,000 from Asia,

$3,000 to $5,000 from the Pacific,

$1,800 to $2,500 from North America,

$1,500-$2,500 from Europe,

$500-$2,000 from Africa, and

$2,500 to $3,000 from Latin America.

TIP: The cheapest flights can always be found locally, and the sooner you book, the lower the costs. We recommend that you call a number of different travel agents in your area as soon as it’s feasible, or check online for the best rates.

Visas

Many foreigners are required to obtain a visa before entry into South Africa. A South African visa will cost you between $50-$150 USD depending on where you are coming from. For complete information about visas, visit http://www.southafrica.info/travel/documents/visas.htm.

Hotel Accommodations

AWID has blocked rooms at hotels near the Convention Centre, with prices ranging between $55-$150 USD if you’re sharing a room, and $75-$260 USD if you’re alone in the room. These hotel rates include breakfast and all applicable taxes.

TIP: Hotel space is limited, so be sure to book your accommodations well in advance to ensure that you get the hotel of your choice at the special rate. Sharing a room also helps cut costs. Delegates travelling alone are encouraged to check AWID's Roommate Message Board on our hotel website to help find a suitable roommate.

Meals and Expenses

An average meal in Cape Town near the Convention Centre can range anywhere from $10-$25 USD depending on where you take your meals. However, breakfast is included in the cost of hotels blocked by the forum, and lunch and snacks will be provided each day of the forum, as well as dinner on Nov. 15th. Therefore the only meals you will need to pay for on your own are the meals while in transit to and from Cape Town, as well as 3 dinners (on the first, third and final nights of the forum).

Transfers to and from the airport

AWID has arranged with a company for transfers from the airport to your forum hotel at a cost of 140 Rand each way (the cost of a taxi is between R170 and R190). You will be given the option to book your airport transfer when you book your hotel.

TIP: If you are arriving alone, arranging for a transfer with AWID is less expensive than taking a taxi. However, if you are traveling with companions and staying at the same hotel, a taxi will be cheaper. If you decide to use a taxi, please be sure to bring a printout of where your hotel is located for the taxi driver, as the taxi driver may not know your hotel.

Transfers to the Convention Centre

AWID will provide transfers to the Convention Centre from those hotels that are not within walking distance. Information about routes and hours will be sent to you before the forum, and given to you again upon check-in.

Forum Registration

TIP: Register now as an AWID member to qualify for the lower member rate. For more information on an AWID membership, visit the Membership section of the AWID website. For more information on volunteering at the AWID Forum in return for a lower registration rate, visit the Volunteer section of the Registration page.